Detroit — In the Archdiocese of Detroit, thousands of pro-life advocates will take their message to the wider community on Respect Life Sunday and over the next few weeks as they participate in National Life Chain Sunday, Oct. 2, or in 40 Days for Life vigils outside abortion clinics.

Life Chain participants, carrying signs with pro-life messages such as “Abortion Kills Children” and “Abortion Hurts Women,” will seek to witness to passing motorists at more than 100 different locations statewide, with about 60 of those within the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Michigan Life Chain participants will be among thousands across the United States witnessing to passing motorists.

The 40 Days for Life vigils are taking place at five sites in the archdiocese, among the approximately 300 sites nationwide. The vigils are officially to begin just after midnight Wednesday, Sept. 28, and continue through Nov. 6. New 40 Days for Life vigils are being mounted in Eastpointe and Bloomfield Hills this year.

“Our purpose is to be a Christian witness out there. We provide a, prayerful, peaceful presence outside the killing centers,” said Mike Stack, coordinator of the Southfield vigil.

While Stack acknowledges that participants are saddened to know about 30 pre-born babies are killed at the Southfield Road abortion clinic each month, they also come to realize that their presence causes some women to turn back and not go through an abortion.